Edson Barboza says Kevin Lee was physically stronger than Khabib

Edson Barboza has revealed that Kevin Lee, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, was the physically strongest opponent he ever faced. Barboza said Lee simply lifted him off the mat and slammed him, while Khabib relied on technique — always being one step ahead. Barboza also reflected on his loss to Khabib, noting he entered that fight with just five weeks of preparation following shoulder surgery that involved four separate injuries, and considers it a moral victory given the circumstances. He added that Justin Gaethje's stoppage came from a punch he never saw, rather than Gaethje being the hardest hitter he had faced.